Villanova Wildcats vs
DePaul Blue DemonsPredictions & Preview

Villanova Wildcats set to take on DePaul Blue Demons in Big East showdown, Wildcats favored to win despite recent struggles

In this upcoming Big East matchup, the Villanova Wildcats will face off against the DePaul Blue Demons, with Villanova currently holding a record of 12-10 and 5-6 in conference play, while DePaul sits at 11-12 overall and 2-10 in the Big East. Villanova previously dominated DePaul in an earlier meeting this season, winning by a large margin. Villanova is looking to bounce back from a close loss to Creighton, while DePaul is coming off a strong win against Seton Hall. The Wildcats are favored to win this game, with the current betting line set at -5.5 in favor of Villanova. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 EST and will be broadcast on CBSSN. Stay tuned for our Villanova vs. DePaul prediction.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Wildcats -240 | Blue Demons +200
• Spread: Wildcats -5.5 (-110) | Blue Demons +5.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 142 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Villanova will win straight-up is 71%.

Villanova vs DePaul Stats

Villanova Wildcats

The Villanova Wildcats are currently struggling, having lost five of their last six games. Their recent loss to Creighton was led by senior wing Wooga Poplar with 24 points. Poplar, along with Eric Dixon, one of the nation's top scorers, and other key players like Jordan Longino and Jhamir Brickus, contribute to the team's offensive performance. The Wildcats rank 137th in offense and 89th in defense, with strong shooting percentages but lower rebounding and defensive statistics. Villanova would likely need to win the Big East Tournament to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

DePaul Blue Demons Analysis

The DePaul Blue Demons have recently broken their losing streak in conference games with wins over Georgetown and Seton Hall, climbing out of the Big East basement and moving ahead of Seton Hall in the standings. Led by senior NJ Benson, who had a double-double in the win over Seton Hall, the Blue Demons have shown improvement. Their top scorer is guard Jacob Meyer, while Isaiah Rivera is their top outside shooter. Ranked 117th overall, DePaul is projected to miss out on the NCAA Tournament. In terms of offensive and defensive efficiency, they rank 112th and 157th respectively. The team's statistics for field goal percentage, free throws, three-pointers, rebounds, turnovers, and assists are also provided. Villanova has struggled in recent matchups against DePaul, failing to secure a win.

DePaul Surging in Conference Play as Villanova Struggles: A Favorable Pick for Covering the Spread

DePaul has shown improvement in conference play, while Villanova is struggling with their basketball performance. Villanova has suffered losses in five out of their last six games, with their offense facing challenges as Dixon has scored below his usual average in their recent defeats. NJ Benson of DePaul showcased a strong performance in his last game, securing a double-double and is anticipated to effectively match up against Dixon to limit his scoring potential. Despite Villanova's defensive ranking of 156th in efficiency, DePaul is well-positioned to compete offensively as they currently hold the 112th spot in offensive efficiency. With several players boasting at least 40 made three-pointers this season, DePaul demonstrates their offensive capabilities. Although historically a lower-ranked team in the conference, DePaul's recent success and positive momentum make them a favorable choice to cover the spread. I recommend selecting DePaul for the cover in this matchup.

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